Other Top Nootropics That Work

Huperzine-A

Huperzine-A is synthesized from the Chinese Club Moss pictured here.

This Chinese Club Moss-derived nootropic has been shown to enhance brain chemicals, mental energy and brain cell regeneration. It appears to work by blocking enzymes that destroy acetylcholine, a brain chemical for learning, memory and quick thinking.

While Hup-A is mostly used for Alzheimer’s – it’s a prescription drug for dementia in some parts of the world — its rapid brain uptake suggests a quicker boost for memory and mental performance.

Hup-A is a great for nootropic stacks because it is effective in small doses — adding lots of brain-boosting activity while taking up very little capsule space.6

DMAE

A type of organic amino alcohol, DMAE (or dimethylaminoethanol if you want to get fancy) appears to have several brain-boosting effects: It boosts the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, optimizes brain cell membranes, and seems to settle agitated Thetabrainwaves.

For the best B6 benefits, look for P-5-P – this “activated” B6 form is what’s used to make neurotransmitters, and is more powerful than plain B6 for the brain.

Lion’s Mane

Yes, that’s a mushroom. Lion’s Mane is one of today’s hottest breakthrough nootropics.

The only medicinal mushroom shown to support brain health, Lion’s Mane boosts the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) that helps the brain regenerate and reorganize rapidly.

Lion’s Mane also been shown to protect brain cells against the plaques and tangles that bog down brain cell performance and contribute to cognitive decline.

Research suggests that Lion’s Mane enhances mental performance and mood in the short-term, while its brain-rejuvenating effects may help to maintain the brain in a peak-performing state throughout the aging process.10

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is used to make catecholamine neurotransmitters, which include the brain chemicals responsible for sharp focus, extended attention and relaxation.

Though it is most known for helping with age-related memory concerns, in high doses Ginkgo has been shown to sharpen attention fast – within 2-3 hours – suggesting it may have more direct & fast brain-boosting effects.12

Oatstraw

Also known as Avena Sativa, it has Alpha-2 brainwave-boosting bio-activities that ease anxiety and encourage relaxed, creative productivity. It may also increase nitric oxide to encourage better blood flow to the brain.

Clinical research has linked oat straw to better attention, concentration and focus; the best research demonstrates evidence for enhanced cognitive performance in adults with mild, age-related cognitive impairment.13

Alpha GPC

Has a dual action as it is broken down in the body, with some molecules being used to make the brain chemical acetylcholine and the rest used to maintain the flexible structure of healthy brain cell membranes. Alpha GPC is a popular form of choline that’s used for brain-boosting, and while it’s helpful, it’s not as good as the Citicoline form, which offers additional benefits (such as uridine production) and better bioavailability.14

What’s the Deal With Racetams?

Racetams are a class of synthetic nootropics that all have a similar chemical structure. They are believed to have a number of brain-beneficial activities; enhancing brain chemicals (especially acetylcholine), neuro-transmission, brain plasticity, brain energy, cerebral circulation & more.

Although racetams seem safe and well-tolerated, the FDA doesn’t like them – saying that they are not really supplements, and should not be marketed as such… But they are. Some racetams include:

Piracetam: The biggest racetam that started it all when discovered in 1960. A derivative of GABA, Piracetam was initially used for relaxation, mood balance and sleep. It has since shown potential for memory enhancement and cognitive stimulation. Take it with choline for synergistic effects.

Aniracetam: Rapid-action racetam similar to piracetam, but more for memory & cognitive performance benefits in elderly populations. It may also have calming, mood-boosting effects. Aniracetam is considered stronger than piracetam, but its effects have a shorter duration.

Oxiracetam: Reported to “accelerate” cognitive performance, promote logical thinking, enhance memory and help new learning. Some of its effects appear to be more powerful than piracetam, but its “speedy” sensations may be followed by side effects of fatigue and “crashing.”

Pramiracetam: The best racetam for concentration and cognitive performance, pramiracetam may boost acetylcholine synthesis. It has been studied for its potential to help with brain injuries, and appears to hold promise for supporting long-term memory function.

Noopept: Shown in animal studies to promote psycho-stimulation, increased neural transmission, and enhanced memory formation and recall. The lack of Noopept research may raise some concerns about its potential side effects, safety and tolerability.

Phenylpiracetam: More potent than piracetam, this psycho-stimulant was first synthesized in Russia in 1983. Its brain benefits may help preserve memory, reduce anxiety, enhance concentration and improve learning. Phenylpiracetam’s cognitive benefits have shown promise in sleep-deprived populations.

Racetams have a lot of mystery, controversy and buzz.

But they’re also backed by lots of evidence in human & animal studies.

Racetams’ “drug” status in Europe and “banned substance” Olympics status suggests potent effects, and may partly explain why this class of nootropics is so popular among brainy cognitive hackers.

Nootropics That Might Work

Picamilon

GABA has soothing, anti-stress activities that can help to neutralize anxiety. Niacin boosts circulation for optimal oxygenation of brain cells.

Together, they block stress hormones to keep mood bright and balanced. They also seem to optimize the brain chemical dopamine, thereby supporting focus, concentration and attention.

Picamilon has gained interest in recent years as a potential therapy for attention-deficit disorders.15

Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a raw material that is used to form all cell membranes in the body. This is especially important in brain cells, where membranes plays a critical part in peak mental performance. PC is also a precursor to acetylcholine.

PC levels decline in the brain with age, which may contribute to age-related cognitive decline. Replenishing PC supports brain health during the aging process, and has shown some potential for sharpening memory performance.16

GABA

Neurotransmitter that “settles” brain cells when you are stressed or anxious. GABA promotes tranquil relaxation, and is good for sleep.17 It’s not a direct nootropic, but GABA may help people whose brainpower is limited by stress and anxiety.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha means “horse smell.” Apparently this root herb has the aroma of a barnyard.

Like Rhodiola, ashwagandha is an adaptogen that strengthens resistance to the mind-dulling effects of stress.

Ashwagandha is notable for reducing anxiety and anxiety-related fatigue. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may further support healthy long-term brain function.

Ashwagandha is not a direct nootropic, but it seems to foster a good mindset for peak mental productivity.18.

Sulbutiamine

This compound is a synthetic version of thiamine which is particularly useful in crossing the blood-brain barrier. Thiamine is important for memory recall and other mental processes in the brain, some additional research which suggests that sulbutiamine may boosts brainpower and help with mood.19

Coleus (Forskolin)

Coleus root supplies active Forskolin; an organic compound that has been shown to raise levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).

cAMP molecules are believed to serve as key messengers in neuron-to-neuron communication in the brain. cAMP also boosts synthesis of brain chemicals including acetylcholine and dopamine, and assists with memory formation and storage of newly acquired knowledge.

While research is early, some evidence suggests that lower cAMP levels may be associated with mood issues like anxiety and depression. In theory, Coleus may help to promote better mood balance, while also supporting learning and memory processes within the brain.20

Artichoke Extract

Artichoke supplies luteolin, a known inhibitor of the PDE4 enzyme that attacks and degrades cAMP.

Artichoke may complement the effects of another pro-cAMP compound, Forskolin.

Presented as a synergistic stack in one of our Best 5 Nootropic Supplements, these two herbal extracts are supposed to make you feel Long Term Potentiation (LTP): A state of heightened cognitive signalling that lasts up to 14 hours.

In maintaining robust cAMP bio-activities, artichoke is also believed to help with memory, learning and mood.21

Brain Energy Nootropics

Nutrients that boost brain cell energy output have been shown to help with chronic fatigue “brain fog” and age-related cognitive decline.

All the compounds in this section boost brain-cell energy production — which is good, because the brain consumes about 20% of the body’s energy.

You might think all that energy work must “charge up” mental performance… but not really.

These bio-energetic nootropics help clear brain fog in chronic fatigue populations, but most other benefits are limited to elderly adults who are already in cognitive decline.

NADH

This coenzyme helps generate neural energy and boosts dopamine, a brain chemical for focus, learning, memory and motivation. NADH is intensely studied for its potential in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and has been clinically shown to clear brain fog in CFS patients.22

CoQ10 & Ubiquinol

CoQ10 and Ubiquinol are closely related and concentrated in the brain, where they spark cellular energy in mitochondria. They are also potent fat-soluble antioxidants that protect brain cells from the free radical damage that accumulates and worsens over time.23

PQQ

This novel compound is believed to protect brain cells’ “power-plant” mitochondria and reverse the age-related changes that can cause low mental energy.24 PQQ is definitely a powerful antioxidant, but has virtually no human evidence for brain health (except for one weak, off-base study).

Creatine

This legendary bodybuilding nutrient may boost adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the brain, just as it does in muscles. Increased ATP fuels mitochondria, and may help with energized, active thinking. Evidence is early and mixed, with the best suggesting creatine improves cognitive performance in elderly populations.25

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Also called ALCAR, it charges and primes brain cells’ power-plants while helping to form and regulate several neurotransmitters. Acetyl-L-Carnitine might help brainpower, but so far evidence shows it only helps elderly people.26

Not “Nootropic” But May Help Brain Health

Pterostilbene

blueberries and other berries are loaded with antioxidants, including the potential nootropic pterostilbene.

This antioxidant is found in the blueberries that promote plasticity: The brain’s ability to form new neural connections.

Pterostilbene is great because it’s safe and easy to absorb, but needs more human research. It seems better suited for long-term brain health than short-term mental performance.27

DHA

Fish and fish oil supplements are good dietary sources of the brain-healthy Omega-3, DHA.

This Omega-3 fatty acid is not a mental performance-enhancer. It is more of a “brain health” nutrient that fights inflammation while keeping brain cell membranes flexible and fluid.

Though it doesn’t boost brainpower now, DHA may pay dividends later: Research showed that elderly adults with the highest blood levels of DHA appeared to reduce their risk of dementia by 47%.28

AC-11®

A branded form of South American Cat’s Claw herb (Uncaria tomentosa ), AC-11 shows great promise for DNA repair, which might help the brain. But evidence is early, with one animal study suggesting it protects brain cells from degenerating. 29 AC-11 could be a breakthrough, but it’s really too soon to tell.

Turmeric

This bright yellow spice supplies curcumin, an antioxidant suggested to slow brain degeneration. Evidence is conflicted, and raw turmeric is very hard to asborb… but some research suggests it might help to support brain health in the elderly.30

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Known as the Universal Antioxidant, ALA is soluble in both fat and water, and is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. It also plays a role in cell energy metabolism. These properties appear to make ALA ideally suited as a brain-protective antioxidant supplement.

ALA is not a “brain-boosting” nootropic, but good evidence shows it helps long-range brain health, potentially preserving cognitive function against dementia.31

“Nootropics” that don’t make sense

Caffeine

You’ll see it in nootropic formulas all the time, but caffeine is just not a nootropic. It’s a stimulant that may mimic the effects of true nootropics. Side effects of nervousness, irritability and adrenal exhaustion make it very hard to link caffeine to better brainpower or mental performance. Caffeine can be addictive, too.32 It’s just not worth it.

Adrafinil

A powerful synthetic stimulant, Adrafinil is banned by the World Doping Agency and has virtually zero credible evidence backing it up. It seems to be related to the drug modonafil, a neurotransmitter-modulator sometimes prescribed for narcolepsy. What little we can tell about this harsh synthetic psychostimulant raises some concerns about its safety, side effects and tolerability. Until more evidence manifests, it’s probably better to avoid Adrafinil.

Apoaequorin

Jellyfish look like brains. But that’s about as close as Apoaequorin gets to brain-boosting benefits.

A type of protein that occurs naturally in glowing jellyfish found in Pacific waters, Apoaequorin is the driving force behind a popular memory supplement that has all but monopolized its use.

Apoaequorin’s manufacturer has been busted by the FDA for making outrageously irresponsible and deceptive brain health claims, and credible scientific evidence for the protein is seriously lacking.

It smacks of a BS marketing ploy to sell memory supplements, and while it might not hurt you, Apoaequorin may waste your money… so we advise avoiding it.

Schizandrol-A

It’s believed that this chemical is affects the central nervous system by altering the amounts of dopamine that are released.

As dopamine is the happy chemical which helps the brain to stay in a good mood, Schizandrol-A in theory could help with brain function under stress. Too bad the research just isn’t there yet.33

Uridine

This compound increases the body’s natural production of phosphatidylcholine, which is an important component of healthy brain cell membranes.

Uridine has gained interest for its potential in brain plasticity; it seems to help the brain reorganize and form new neural connections in response to new learning.

Uridine as a standalone nootropic ingredient doesn’t make sense, because Citicoline raises blood levels of uridine, all while providing a whole host of additional brain benefits. Just take Citicoline instead of uridine.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola looks kind of like Ginkgo. But don’t be fooled: It’s nowhere near as effective or evidence backed as Ginkgo.

This traditional Asian herb has been used for cognitive and spiritual benefits in India’s traditional Ayurvedic health system for hundreds of years.

Gotu Kola’s nootropic research is limited to animal studies, where it shows some early potential for helping depression & anxiety.

Gotu Kola is sometimes included in cognitive performance supplements, but there’s really not enough evidence to warrant using it for the brain.34

Hordenine

This compound has been linked to norepinephrine stores in the body; it is believed to stimulate the hormone’s release for an “adrenaline rush” energetic boost and enhanced concentration.35 A great concept, but there’s nowhere near enough evidence to justify hordenine as a nootropic agent, at least not yet.

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Comments

A quick review of the FDA link in your statement “Cognitive benefits: PS is great for memory, and is the only nootropic with an FDA-qualified health claim stating it may reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction.”contradicts your statement. The FDA’s review of PS actually concludes that“FDA concludes that most of the evidence does not support a relationship between phosphatidylserine and reduced risk of dementia or cognitive dysfunction, and that the evidence that does support such a relationship is very limited and preliminary.” and “most of the evidence does not support an effect of phosphatidylserine intake on reduced risk of dementia and cognitive dysfunction”

The FDA then bends over backward on some unconvincing exceptions to allow a statement with disclaimers. You put way to positive a spin on this link. Why shouldn’t anyone believe anything else you say?

Craig, it is telling that you conveniently left out the first and most important sentence of the FDA-qualified health claim for Phosphatidylserine: “Consumption of phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly.” Way to put a negative spin on the link.

The context is key to understanding the importance of this PS claim: The FDA is legendary in its toughness against dietary supplements, including the health claims that those supplements are allowed to make. The very cautious language of the FDA-qualified Phosphatidylserine (PS) claim is at best a grudging concession to the extensive clinical research done on PS for brain health. Considering the FDA’s critical view of supplements, their willingness to allow a qualified brain health claim on PS suggests that PS is a safe and beneficial compound for supporting brain health. In our opinion, the same goes for ALL FDA-qualified claims on supplements. There are hundreds upon hundreds of supplement ingredients. Only a handful have been granted FDA-qualified claims. And only ONE has an FDA-qualified claim for brain health: PS. Read between the lines.

Even better, take a look at the research behind PS: It is easily the most widely researched and evidence-backed nootropic for memory, specifically. Based on that abundant research, we’re stickin’ by our original statement: PS is great for memory.

Of course, you don’t have to believe anything we say. We encourage you to do your own independent research. Or, simply continue believing everything the FDA tells you, if that is more your style. : ]

No, because this is a list of ingredients that go into nootropic supplements. If you read the article, you will see there is no Alpha Brain or any other “stack” supplement. Here is our Alpha Brain review if you would like to check it. We have many other nootropic supplement reviews as well.